Helping people find their reason to stay

There is no doubt Christmas can be a stressful time of year. Many suicide prevention services see an increase in demand over the Christmas and new year period. Despite this, it can be difficult for a person in crisis to find the help they need, when they need it.

A newly launched website aims to support people at risk of suicide and those who care for them, to find the support they need at Christmas and all year round.

Reasonstostay.com.au provides valuable information about accessing face-to-face suicide prevention services in the Brisbane North region. Readers can also access telephone crisis and information lines and links to reputable sites for further reading and support.

“The Reasons to Stay campaign aims to show people where and how to get the help they need. It also encourages them to reach out and start a conversation, so they can find their reasons to stay,” Brisbane North PHN Chief Executive Officer Abbe Anderson said.

Despite the many support services available, Brisbane North PHN Chief Executive Officer Abbe Anderson said some people still end up at the emergency department (ED).

“While presenting to the ED is sometimes the right first step, this setting is not necessarily the best place for a person in crisis,” she said.

“Consequently, these people risk not receiving the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Ms Anderson said.

Visit www.reasonstostay.com.au to find out more and share with your patients.